Planning a trip to Whitby and want to get the most out of your time there? Here are 9 awesome things to do in Whitby at night.
The daytime delights of Whitby are well known and well talked about. But what do we know of the evening pleasures that holidaymakers will no doubt be looking for? Very little! That is all about to change though, as we are going to take a journey through night activities that Whitby has to offer. Here is the ultimate guide of things to do in Whitby at night!
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1. Discover Whitby Abbey and the 199 Steps at night
Climbing the 199 Steps and walking around Whitby Abbey may sound like a mundane activity for an evening out. However, unlike through the day when it appears simply as a fascinating and beautiful piece of history, at night, it takes on a completely different hue.
Destroyed in 1540 when Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of the monasteries, Whitby Abbey would have been in ruin by the time Bram Stoker visited and saw it in 1890. He would later go on to be inspired enough by his view of the Abbey at night swirling in haunting sea mists whilst perching high on its cliff to include Whitby as the landing place of his 1897 character Dracula.
It is this very story that makes Whitby Abbey the perfect place to visit late at night and give yourself the chills. You could even take the book with you and read from its pages by torch or candlelight.
2. Enjoy an evening Whitby Ghost Walk
If Whitby Abbey hasn’t given you enough of the chills, you could always explore other ghostly, strange, and supernatural tales of Whitby with a walking tour led by Rose Rylands. Alternatively, Dr. Crank, your guide for the 75-minute tour, will take you on an amazing journey of murder, mystery, and suspense including the screaming tunnel, Dracula’s bench, the Dutchman’s house, the burning girl, the headless horseman, the hand of glory, the Whitby witches, the barguest hound, the haunted lighthouse and the grey lady.
3. Take a sunset boat trip
If walking or swimming is not really your thing but you love the sea, you could opt for an evening boat trip instead. Whitby is a fine place to do this as it is only one of two towns where you can see both the sunrise and the sunset in the sea. Evening boat trips in Whitby offer a magical experience in which you will sail out at dusk and return after dark. They are a unique opportunity to view this historic town from another perspective. You will also be able to view some of Whitby’s wildlife such as seabirds and if in the right season visiting whales. Book your trip with Whitby Coastal Cruises.
4. See a show at the Whitby Pavilion
Nestled into the West cliffs and maybe even visible from a boat trip is the Whitby Pavilion, home to both a theatre and digital cinema. It is the perfect place to spend an evening for those who enjoy live shows and films. Built in 1878 Whitby Pavilion has Victorian origins and charm with its traditional proscenium arch. It has seating available for up to 380 people and benefits from a theatre bar for intermission drinks. Shows you can see here include plays, traditional dramas, pantomimes, musicals, comedy, blockbuster films, and also long-loved classics.
For information on what they are currently showing see the Whitby Pavilion website.
5. Have a delicious meal in one of Whitby’s fine restaurants
The town has a fantastic array of restaurants for everyone to sample. The Marine, for example, is a fine dining experience that concentrates on serving excellent fish dishes. Situated on the harbourside the Marines menu includes whole lobster, oysters, fresh langoustine, scampi, roast hake, sea bass, lemon sole, and spaghetti voncole which is made with clams, white wine, garlic, chilli, and spaghetti.
If you fancy something other than fish or traditional English fayre, you could also try Ditto, a family-run intimate restaurant that has just 18 covers. Quality local ingredients are served here that are used to combine bold and creative flavours with influences from all over Europe. Dittos menu includes rolled lamb shoulder, cured sea trout, crispy fried eggs, pork belly, duck breast, broccoli, and blue cheese potato gnocchi, baked lemon cream, frozen chocolate mousse, and bread and butter pudding.
6. Have drinks at Whitby’s pubs and clubs
Just as there are many restaurants in Whitby there are also many pubs. In fact, at last count, there were more than 31, ranging from traditional venues to cocktail bars and chains. Choice of nightclubs, on the other hand, is far more limited as there is only one! Out of the many pubs, you could visit, the Abbey Wharf seems to be far and away from the most popular with its restaurant and selection of live music. This would be closely followed by the Buck Inn where you can enjoy dry ice cocktails, karaoke, and a turn on their dance floor. For a more traditional, quiet drink try the Jolly Sailors, Ship or Pier Inn. Following on from the pub you might want to try Raw nightclub which is situated in two buildings over three floors. Part Victorian, part Art Déco this venue holds regular events such as Hedkandi. School disco and the ministry of sound. It’s a great place to drink, dance and socialise with friends long after the pubs have closed.
7. Try Eskape Whitby
These escape rooms, situated a short distance from the Abbey and the town itself, offer you a chance to use your puzzle-solving prowess to work with your friends and solve their themed mystery rooms. Each room has its own theme while incorporating snippets of local history, myths, and legends. You will have 60 minutes. So why not book an evening slot and add one of their experiences to your list of things to do in this beautiful seaside town?
8. Wander around the town and take photo’s
We love simply wandering around Whitby at night, the chaos of the day is put to bed and you can really take in the atmosphere of this gothic town. The night is a really great time to take photos and capture how the light falls differently.
9. Just have a cozy night in!
If you’re not into, don’t fancy, or are just too tired to go out into Whitby at night you could always opt for a cozy night in. There are many fantastic fishmongers where you can purchase fish such as mackerel, pollock, flounder, coalfish, bass, cod, and more for a lovely home-cooked meal. Local ales can also be bought to accompany your meal made by Whitby Brewery and sold all over the town. After eating you could then watch a film, read your book or even just cuddle up with your loved one in a chair. For families, many holiday cottages and guest houses supply board games, packs of cards, reading materials, and satellite TV.
Let us know if you have anything to add in the comments section.
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